RACING FAN ADVISORY COUNCIL ESTABLISHED
06-29-2011 --
In a historic move Chairman John Sabini of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board created by resolution the “The Racing Fan Advisory Council.” The council, likely the first in the country, recognizes racing fans as stake
holders in the sport/industry. Chairman Sabini in moving this resolution referenced the unique cooperation and insight among the Legislature and the Governor Cuomo’s Office to recommend this council. The vote by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board was unanimous. Click to hear the audio of the passing the resolution. It was “item number one” on the June 29, 2011’s agenda.
The resolution specifically recognized the importance of the fan’s interests and opinions to the future of racing. It missioned the Council to provide input and advice to the State Racing and Wagering Board on all matters related to horse racing and wagering in New York. Click here for resolution.
The Council will be composed of five members who will serve for five years and who will be selected….”based on their long term involvement, interest in, knowledge and devotion to the sport of horse racing as a fan,” the resolution stated. All five members will be appointed by the Chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board with two of the five coming after recommendations from chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Racing and Gaming and Wagering Committee and the Assembly Committee on Racin and Wagering.
Michael Amo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ThoroFan, a national Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc. said he was pleased the Governor, the state Legislature and the Racing and Wagering Board decided to recognize the fan as an important stakeholder in racing in New York. Hopefully other states will follow their insightful leadership and create similar panels.”
